Текст книги "Terror on Tybee Island"

Автор книги: Deborah Malone

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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 11 страниц)

CHAPTER ELEVEN

That sure doesn’t bode well for Mary Sue.” I settled the notepad on my knee. “Do you know any other people who might have a burr under their saddle concerning Grace?”

“You better believe it. She collected enemies like most people collect seashells. Grace couldn’t even keep a husband without running him off.” My head popped up. Dee Dee shot me a glance.

I knew enough about murders to know that the spouse or ex-spouse is often the first person to be suspected. “Does he live around here?”

“I think it’s somewhere in Savannah, but I’m not sure. They used to have the most awful knock-down, drag-out fights. They didn’t seem to care who knew. They would argue right in front of the guests and God himself. I often wondered who would kill the other one first. Finally, he just up and left.”

“Hmm, doesn’t sound like they separated too amicably,” Dee Dee said.

“That’s the truth,” Edna said.

“Edna, could you tell us what his name is?”

“Bert. Bert Watkins.”

“Yoo hoo. Anybody home?” I knew that voice anywhere. Nana.

Edna jumped up. “Oh, my. I’ve neglected the guests too long. I need to go see about them. Please excuse me. I hope I’ve been some help to ya’.”

Dee Dee and I stood up and followed Edna to the kitchen.

There Nana stood, making herself at home. “Hi, Trixie. Betty Jo said I could probably find you here.” She twirled around in a circle. “Would you take a look at this kitchen? Every kind of cooking tool you could dream of.”

An island with a marble countertop stood in the middle of the large kitchen. Copper pots and pans hung around the top of the island. An industrial-sized refrigerator and stove stood against the walls. A kitchen any woman would love to find in her home.

“Nana. Why were you looking for us?”

George came in and stood beside her. “I have the most wonderful news.” She shot him a hundred watt smile. “George wants to take us to the Crab Shack tonight. It’s supposed to have the best seafood on the island. All kinds of celebrities have eaten there.”

George placed his arm around Nana’s shoulder. “That’s right, ladies. I’ve been told this establishment meets the highest of standards. I would love to be accompanied by a group of lovely ladies, if you will do me the honor.”

“That sounds great. Don’t you think so, Trixie?”

“Yes, I do. You won’t see me turning down a good seafood meal. I’ve heard of the Crab Shack. They keep live alligators the customers can feed.”

While we talked about the Crab Shack’s fare, Edna returned to the kitchen. She walked over and addressed George. “Mr. Knight, I noticed you came out of Mr. Porter’s room this morning. Were you lookin’ for him?” For a fleeting second I thought I saw a look of anxiety cross George’s face, but then it was gone just as quick.

“Yes, I was looking for John. Do you know where he might have gone? Or when he might get back? I have a matter I wish to discuss with him.”

I wondered if he really wanted to talk with John Porter or if he had another motive. I liked George, but there was something about him that prompted me to keep an eye on him. I didn’t want Nana hurt by the English Romeo.

“He returned from Seaside Cottage after breakfast, and then went out again. I haven’t seen him since.”

“No matter. I shall talk with him later.” He turned from Edna and addressed us. “Ladies, I must take my leave for now and take care of some business. I look forward to seeing you tonight.” He looked at Nana and smiled. “Belle, may I have the privilege of driving you to the restaurant this evening?”

I swanny, Nana turned crimson. “I’d be honored.”

“Then I shall see you ladies around seven.” He bowed at the waist. I had to admit, George was the consummate gentleman. Why did I keep getting prickly vibes about him? I wondered if I could solicit Beau to run a background check. Thinking of Beau sent a wave of sadness through me. I missed him. He’d promised me space to think about his proposal while I was gone, but it didn’t keep me from missing him.

The shock of finding Grace’s body and now trying to help Laura was more than I could handle. How could I contemplate my future? I knew I couldn’t do this alone. “Lord, please help me help Laura. And give me the wisdom to make the right decision about me and Beau.”

An overwhelming desire to talk to Beau struck me. I’d call him as soon as I had some alone time. I promised I’d have an answer for him when I returned. I loved Beau, but I couldn’t let go of the seeds of fear my failed marriage had planted in me.

“Trixie?” Dee Dee shook me arm. “What were you thinking about, girl? You looked so serious.”

I looked at Nana. How much should I divulge in front of her? I shouldn’t have worried; she was far wiser than I gave her credit for. I thought of all the times she acted like she didn’t know what was going on. I felt more than ever it was just a ruse for her to get away with her antics.

“Sugah, are you thinking about Beau?” Nana’s eyes were filled with concern. I nodded. “I know you have a lot on you, but please don’t forget how much he loves you. Anyway, if you don’t marry Beau then that leaves him wide open for me.” Nana and Dee Dee chuckled. Even though they laughed at my expense, Nana had lightened the mood. I gave her a big hug. Dee Dee joined in the fun as we enveloped each other in a group hug. Edna looked on as if we’d lost our ever lovin’ minds.

When we were finished with our collective moment of encouragement, we turned to thank Edna for her help. “Oh goodness. I don’t know how much I helped, but please let me know if you need me. I’ll be glad to help Ms. Laura any way I can.” She walked us to the door.

“Come on girls. Let’s go tell Betty Jo we’re going to the Crab Shack tonight. I’ve got a hot-looking outfit in mind that’s sure to turn George’s head.”

“Nana!” Oh, Lord, please deliver me. Anyway, all she ever wore were jogging outfits.

“What? You don’t think an old woman can look sexy?” Nana turned and strutted out the door.

Nana was going to be the death of me yet.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Oh, Nana. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Nana.”

I knew Dee Dee meant it.

We found Mama resting in her room. That was, until Nana blew in like the north wind. “Oh, Betty Jo, we have the best news. George is going to take us to the Crab Shack tonight. Isn’t that exciting?” Mama sat up. Nana walked over and plopped on the end of her bed.

“It sounds good.” Mama shot a glance at me with a lifted eyebrow. “Trixie, what do you think? Should we go?”

I didn’t see a need to tell her of my hunch about George. What could he do with four women in tow? “Sure. I think it’ll be fun.” Now seemed the perfect time to call Beau. “If y’all don’t mind, I’d like to go find a quiet place and make a call.”

Nana and Dee Dee exchanged a knowing gaze. “Sweetheart, you go on and call that hunk of gorgeous. It’ll make you feel better.”

I hoped she was right.

He answered on the second ring. “Hey, Babe.”

“Hi. Is this a good time to talk?” Beau was a deputy sheriff in our small hometown of Vans Valley. I’m not sure why I felt like a kid calling her high school crush all of a sudden. I swallowed against a tiny giggle.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’m not busy right now. It’s good to hear your voice.” I could picture him leaned back in his office chair. “How are things going?”

I was torn. Should I tell him all I’d been through? With only a slight hesitation I spilled my guts. “Oh, Beau. It’s been terrible. Monday night I went for a walk on the beach and found a dead body.” The tears rolled down my cheeks. I took my sleeve and swiped at them.

“What?” I held the phone away from my ear, but it was too late. “Trixie, what have you been up to? I’m scared to let you out of my sight.”

He had reason to be upset. After all, this was the third time I’d been involved in a murder investigation. But it wasn’t my fault. And right now I needed him to empathize with me, not yell at me.

“I didn’t know an innocent walk on the beach would lead me to a dead body,” I said.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled, but it caught me by surprise. You’re there and I’m here, and I can’t do anything to help. Did they interrogate you?”

“Yes. But Laura, Mama’s friend, is the focus of the investigation. Grace Watkins, the victim, owned the bed and breakfast right next door to where we’re staying. They had an ongoing argument and the murder weapon’s a garden gnome Laura owns. She’s asked me and Dee Dee to help her.”

“Trixie.” I could imagine Beau shaking his head.

“Beau, I have to help her. She’s Mama’s friend, and I’d want someone to do the same for me.”

“I know, I know. That’s who you are. But I’m worried about you. The last time you were involved in a murder investigation you barely made it out alive.”

“Never fear. Nana’s here and she’s determined to help. Again.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

I knew Beau would come at the drop of a hat if I wanted him to, but for now I needed information.

“Could you run a background check for me? Nana’s got the hots for a gentleman named George Knight.”

Beau’s laughter rang through the phone. “I can’t check on someone just because they want to date your grandma, hon.”

“It’s not just that.” Although now that you mention it. “I’ve got this sense he’s hiding something, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

He adopted his deputy sheriff voice. “Do you know his address? I could run his license plate number if you can get it.”

“No, but we’re going out tonight and I’ll figure out a way to get it.” My journalism skills came in handy for more than just scoops. “I’d feel better if I knew he was harmless.” A knock on the door startled me. The door squeaked open and Dee Dee poked her head in.

“Is it all clear for me to come in?” she stage whispered. I nodded.

“Beau, Dee Dee just came in. I’m gonna let you go, but I’ll call you back as soon as I get George’s address.” Dee Dee raised an eyebrow.

“Okay.” His voice took on a husky tone. “It’s so good to hear from you and I look forward to your next call. Trixie?”

“Yes.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, Beau.” I knew he wanted me to say more, but I couldn’t. I still had a lot to think over.

Dee Dee sat on my bed. “Wanna talk about it? I know you’ve got a lot on your mind.” She looked me in the eye. “Trixie, follow your heart. Beau’s a great guy. He loves you and he loves the Lord. That’s a win-win combination.”

“I know Dee. I’m scared.” I couldn’t help but think of the betrayal I’d lived through because of Wade’s actions. I never wanted to experience that pain again.

“A little fear is healthy, Trix, but don’t let the past prevent you from being happy. There are no guarantees in life, but remember, Beau is not Wade. Let’s pray about it right now.” Dee Dee clasped my hand and said the sweetest prayer. When we lifted our heads I felt a renewed peace.

“Thanks, Dee.”

“You’re welcome. Whose address were you talking about?”

“George’s address. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about him that bothers me. Did you hear Edna ask him about going in to John Porter’s room this morning? I don’t believe his explanation. We need to wheedle an address, at least get his license plate number. Beau said he could run a background check on him.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard. We’ll work it into the conversation somehow.” She patted my hand. “Hey, want to go downtown and check out the shops? We could stop by the fast food place where Mary Sue works and ask her some questions.”

I sat up. “Let’s check out the Seaside Sisters gift shop while we’re out. Mary Kay Andrews leases a section in the store. She sells antiques and gifts.”

“Oh, I just love Mary Kay’s books. She’s so funny.”

“Did you notice the glass painting in the bathroom? Nancy Smith, one of the shop’s founders, painted it. They’re her specialty. I’d love to purchase one for my apartment.”

Dee Dee nodded and shot me a grin. “Or maybe for your new house?”

I returned her smile and grabbed her arm. “Come on. Let’s go participate in some retail therapy.”

While I tied the laces on my Keds, my mind worked overtime coming up with a way to find out more about the mysterious George. And what exactly were his intentions toward Nana?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Tybee Island was a grand total of two and a half square miles of land. Located on Highway 80, the drive to Seaside Sisters didn’t take long. The gift shop, housed in a small, older home, sat close to the road. Hand-made mobiles, flower pots, lawn ornaments, and even garden gnomes, decorated the outside. Dee Dee parked in the sandy yard of the little white and blue shop. We hopped out of the car and followed excited shoppers into the boutique.

“Oh, look, Trixie. Aren’t these cute?” Dee Dee picked up a pint-sized canning jar, attached to a glass stem, and held up the drinking apparatus. “This is called Hillbilly Stemware.” Other shoppers within earshot of Dee Dee’s announcement smiled at the unique object.

I told Dee Dee she could find me in Mary Kay Andrew’s corner, and headed straight for her space. Blindsided by some colorful jewelry, I stopped to sift through the fascinating trinkets, and picked out one for Mama and one for Nana. I wasn’t disappointed when I finally found Mary Kay’s area. I’d read about her love of antiquing and I knew she wove her adventures into her books.

The instant I spotted the cute little section filled with books, candles, and of course, antique furniture, I knew Dee Dee would adore it. She could choose from plenty of goodies to take back for her own emporium, Antiques Galore.

A middle-aged lady dressed in Dee Dee-like clothes struck up a conversation. “Are you from around here or just visiting?” She picked up a beautiful hand-made quilt and passed her hand back and forth over the lovely material.

“I’m from Vans Valley, a small town in north Georgia. My name’s Trixie Montgomery.” I picked up an outdoor mobile crafted from discarded kitchen utensils. Mama’s yard would make a great home for the decoration. Or maybe my yard?

“Hi, I’m Ruth. Are you staying in one of the hotels on the beach or in Savannah?” She studied the price tag on the throw and quickly replaced it. She bestowed a couple of pats on the beautiful covering as if to say good-bye.

“Neither one. We’re staying at Seaside Cottage.”

Her eyes grew large and her jaw dropped. “Oh. I heard about Grace Watkins’ death. Isn’t it a shame they’ve arrested poor Laura for the murder?” I started to correct her, but she chattered without taking a breath. “I’m not surprised something like that happened to Grace. I’m a member of the Save the Turtles Association and she consistently rubbed someone the wrong way. Now that she’s gone, I wonder if Jasmine will come back to the meetings. She’d never attend while Grace was alive.”

My investigative antennas shot straight up. I wanted to ask more questions, but this wasn’t the place. Too many people milled around.

Dee Dee walked up and eyed the mobile I held, tinkling above my head. “Hey, Trix. Did you find something to buy?”

“Yeah. Don’t you think this is interesting?” She nodded. I turned toward my new acquaintance. “This is Ruth and we were discussing Grace Watkins.”

Dee Dee’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh?”

“Ruth, I’d love to hear more about the Grace and Jasmine situation. Could we meet later and talk?” I grabbed Dee Dee’s arm and pulled her beside me. “We’re trying to help Laura.”

“Sure. I haven’t eaten yet. Would you like to meet for lunch? There’s a great little place right down the road. The Tybee Sandwich and Ice Cream Shop.”

“Okay, as soon as we finish here we’ll meet you. How about forty-five minutes?” We said our good-byes and I made it my mission to find the painted glass. I discovered several delightfully framed stained glass windows covered with brightly colored fish. I easily pictured one of these in my apartment.

“Look, Dee. Wouldn’t this be great in my bathroom?” I held it up so Dee Dee could see the sun shining through the brightly painted windowpanes.

“Your apartment, or your new home with Beau?” Dee Dee stepped back a little like I might hit her. “Never mind. It’ll look great in either one.” Her beautiful smile was infectious. I smiled back.

We browsed the treasure trove a few more minutes and then paid for our purchases. My mind wandered while Dee Dee stored her packages in the back. I imagined being Beau’s wife. He’d been nothing but good to me and I knew he loved the Lord. He’d endured similar circumstances in his first marriage as I had in mine. We’d both felt the brain-numbing effects of betrayal. Could we get past those feelings and build a trusting and loving marriage? God, please help me make the right decision.

“Hey, Trixie! Are you going to start the car?” She twisted around to straighten the items we’d bought.

Dee Dee’s inquiry and her body leaning on my shoulder brought me back to earth. “Hold on to your pantaloons, girl.” I said a silent prayer of thanks when my new car started on the first try.

As I drove through town, I noticed the shops on each side of the street. It was tourist heaven. Antique shops, gift shops, bakeries, and enough restaurants to please any palate lined both sides. And if you decided on a tattoo to commemorate your visit, The Pirate’s Cove Tattoo Parlor would be glad to ink you up. I tried to imagine a pirate’s skull or perhaps a turtle drawn on my old-lady ankle, but giggled to myself. What would Beau think?

“Stop!” Dee Dee yelled at the top of her lungs.

I slammed on the brakes and shot a glance in the rear view to see if the car behind us stopped. I stuck my finger in my ear, sure I’d be deaf the rest of my life.

“What? Are you trying to get us killed?” Another look in my review mirror alerted me a long line of cars followed us. Thank God the person behind us had quick reflexes.

“Over there. See it? A pirate.” Dee Dee pointed out her side window.

Sure enough, a buccaneer stood on the sidewalk. Or rather, someone dressed like a water bandit. He wore an eye patch and a live parrot sat on his shoulder. I must admit he made a striking figure. A car horn blared a warning.

“Oh, good grief.” Dee Dee turned around. I assumed she made a face at the offending culprit. “We’re moving already.”

“Well, are you happy now? You just about got us killed.” I drove on down the street looking for the road Ruth told us to turn on.

“Pooh. We weren’t in danger. You just over-reacted. Hey, do you think the peg leg was real?”

I gave Dee Dee a quick look. “You’re kidding, right?” I worried about that girl sometimes. “I have to admit though, I was impressed. For a fake pirate, he looked authentic.” I was wondering why he was dressed like a run-a-way from Treasure Island when Dee Dee supplied me with the answer.

“He was standing by a sign advertising a Pirate Festival. That sounds like fun.”

“It does. Let’s find out more about the festival. Keep a look out for Ocean View. Ruth said the restaurant is on the left.”

While we looked for the turn, I speculated whether Ruth would feed us enough information about the mysterious Jasmine to add her to our growing list of suspects.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

There’s Ocean View!”

I swung a sharp right and spotted The Tybee Sandwich and Ice Cream Shop. “Where should I park?”

“There’s a lot behind the building.”

We parked, and walked around front. It was wonderful to walk without my cane and minimal pain. Now that I’d had my knee replacement I often wondered why I’d waited so long.

Like most establishments in Tybee, the sandwich shop boasted an ocean motif. Large fishing nets adorned the walls. A shelf covered in a variety of conch shells ran the perimeter of the room just below the ceiling. Numerous sea items decorated the walls: oars, antique ship wheels, compasses, and several mounted fish, including a huge blue and green sailfish. Some wise-guy had placed a fake bloody hand in the shark’s mouth.

I spotted Ruth sitting in a corner booth. She waved us over and we scooted onto the bench opposite her.

“Hi. Did you have any trouble finding the restaurant?” She took our pocketbooks and placed them next to her giving us more room.

“Not at all. We did see a pirate, though.” Dee Dee scanned a menu.

“The Pirate Festival is an annual event Tybee hosts to attract tourists during the off season. It’s great fun. There’s a parade where everyone dresses up in a pirate-themed costume and walks downtown. A king and queen are crowned. It’s fun if you like that kind of arr-ful entertainment.”

“Won’t Nana like that?”

I gave Dee Dee a stern look. “Don’t even think about getting her involved in a pirate festival.”

“Ha! You know she’ll find out one way or the other. She might as well join in the fun.” Dee Dee could afford to laugh. Nana wasn’t her responsibility. Last year in Marietta, we attended a Civil War Ball and Nana dressed like Scarlett. She got into the character so much she insisted she was really Scarlett. Just about drove me crazy.

“You’re right, but don’t encourage her.”

A waitress, outfitted in a pirate themed white dress and black apron, approached our table. “Hi. May I take your order?” I hadn’t even looked at the menu.

“Ruth, do you have any suggestions?”

“Try the fish filet sandwich with fries and salad. I think you’ll like it.”

I handed the waitress my menu. “I’ll take that, please.”

“I’ll have the same thing,” Dee Dee said. The cute waitress wrote down our order and sashayed toward the kitchen.

Ruth looked around, placed her elbows on the table, and leaned in toward us. “Can you tell me what you had in mind when you suggested we meet?”

“Could you tell us about Jasmine? What happened to cause so much dissension between Grace and Jasmine?”

Dee Dee elbowed a warning. After the waitress set down our drinks and left, Ruth continued.

“It’s a long story, but I’ll try to give the short version. As you know, Grace is an icon in the community. I mean was, bless her heart. I think she must have been one of the founding fathers.” Ruth gave a nervous little laugh at her own joke. “Anyway, Jasmine was a newcomer to Tybee and a pretty young thing at that.

“Grace had been the president of Save the Sea Turtles for as long as I can remember. When it came time to vote for new officers, Jasmine had the audacity to run against her. Nobody, and I mean nobody, dared to run against Grace. She’s been unopposed for years.” She stopped to take a breath and glanced around again, as if she thought Grace might walk through the door any minute.

“I guess Grace didn’t take too kindly to Jasmine?” Dee Dee took a long sip from her sweet tea, let out a big “ahhh,” and set her glass back down.

“Ha! That’s an understatement. Grace was out for blood. I don’t know how she did it, but she dug up all the dirt she could on Jasmine, and then made sure everyone in the club knew about it.”

“What did she discover that was so awful?” I was beginning to get a feel of just how mean and spiteful Grace had been.

“She’d made some bad decisions when she was young. We’ve all done things in our youth we wish we could go back and change. Grace found out Jasmine served time in jail for possession of marijuana. Even though it had been over fifteen years, members didn’t want someone with a record for their president.”

Another waitress returned with our orders. The food looked and smelled delicious.

“Wow, get a gander at these sandwiches. They’re Papa Bear size.” Dee Dee was right. The portions were the largest I’d seen. Steak fries covered three-fourths of the plate. We took a few minutes to doctor with condiments waiting on the table.

“Mmm, this is good.” A glob of tartar sauce oozed out on the corner of Dee Dee’s mouth. I pointed to my mouth to clue her in. She shot us an embarrassed look and wiped off the offending sauce. Quiet enveloped our table while we tamed our hunger. Once sated, we talked between bites.

“Ruth, what did Jasmine do when she wasn’t allowed to run?” I dipped a crispy fry in a lake of ketchup and popped it in my mouth.

“She was madder than a pirate who’d lost his booty. Jasmine stood up at the meeting and told Grace she was going to put a stop to her antics. Then she just walked out. I haven’t seen her at another meeting.” Ruth pushed her empty plate away.

“Ladies, would you like dessert?” Our lady pirate offered dessert menus.

“I don’t know. I’m full as a tick.” I patted my belly to prove it.

Dee Dee elbowed me. “Hey, speak for yourself.” She pointed to a picture on the menu. “Look at this.” She jabbed her finger at a chocolate dessert. “Pirate’s Booty. I’ll have this please.”

My mouth watered. “Wanna share?”

“I don’t think so.” Dee Dee looked at me like I’d lost my mind. Ruth said she’d share with me so we ordered two Pirate’s Booty double chocolate desserts. Oh well, what’s a girl to do? After all, we were on vacation.

We sat back to wait. “Ruth, can you tell us how we could get in touch with Jasmine?”